Mental health leaders: COVID-19 exacerbated mental illnesses across state Ryan Voyles 4 years ago COVID-19 has exacerbated mental illnesses across the state, mental health leaders said late last week at a virtual event hosted by the Gateway Foundation.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.